On March 18, 2025, Elina Valtonen, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs, concluded a significant visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina aimed at fostering security, safety, and stability in the region. This visit came at a crucial time as discussions revealed serious concerns regarding the integrity of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the constitutional order of the nation.
During a meeting with Denis Bećirović, member of the Presidency of BiH, Valtonen was informed of what Bećirović described as an ongoing attack on the Dayton Peace Agreement. He emphasized that preserving peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina can only be accomplished by protecting the constitutional order and halting the anti-Dayton and unconstitutional actions of the leadership of the Bosnian entity, Republika Srpska. Furthermore, he identified two parties involved in this concerning situation: the judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the individuals suspected of involvement in this criminal act.
Valtonen expressed her deep concern about the political climate, warning that it could have far-reaching consequences for peace and cooperation across the region. "The current political situation is of concern and could have far-reaching consequences for peace and co-operation in the region," she remarked, underscoring her commitment to the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She was particularly vocal about the adverse impact of actions taken by the leadership in Republika Srpska, stating these actions are in direct violation of the Constitution and laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Her agenda also included meetings with other high-profile officials, including Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković and Members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency: Željka Cvijanović and Željko Komšić. Valtonen also had discussions with representatives from civil society, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to address the current challenges faced by the country.
Valtonen acknowledged the OSCE's longstanding commitment to the region, reminding stakeholders of the organization's ongoing mission to strengthen democracy, foster good governance, and uphold human rights. "The OSCE is doing significant work in the region, strengthening democracy, fostering good governance and human rights, and supporting the development of a multi-national and multi-ethnic society," she said during her meetings.
Additionally, her visit included a trip to the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she commended the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the mission's staff in ensuring the nation’s stability. This mission was initially established in 1995 to help secure lasting peace in the aftermath of conflict.
In closing her visit, Valtonen visited Camp Butmir, where she met with EUFOR Althea Commander, Major General Florin-Marian Barbu, and NATO HQ Commander Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas. These discussions were aimed at assessing the current security environment and ensuring cooperative efforts in peacekeeping and stability initiatives in the region.
Denis Bećirović expressed his gratitude for the principled support that both the OSCE and the Republic of Finland provide to Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in relation to European and Euro-Atlantic integration. He noted that he had previously discussed these supportive roles with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb during his working visit last year.
With the international community's backing essential for Bosnia and Herzegovina's continued development, these discussions reaffirm the necessity for a commitment to dialogue and constitutional integrity as the path toward a peaceful and cooperative future in the Balkans.
